Marvel Star Pedro Pascal Stands With Jimmy Kimmel Amid ABC Free Speech Controversy
Pedro Pascal, the acclaimed star of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has publicly expressed his support for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following the abrupt suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! by ABC. This move has sparked widespread concern among Hollywood figures about free speech and the implications of the network’s decision.
A Show of Solidarity
On Thursday, Pascal took to Instagram to voice his solidarity with Kimmel, posting a photo of the two together on the late-night show. He captioned the image: “Standing with you @jimmykimmellive. Defend #FreeSpeech Defend #DEMOCRACY.” His statement is part of a growing chorus of support from other prominent figures in the entertainment industry who have rallied behind Kimmel during this contentious time.
Pascal’s support comes as he is poised to star in Disney/Marvel’s upcoming project Avengers: Doomsday , alongside fellow actors Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn. His involvement in such a high-profile franchise underscores the significance of his statement, as it reflects a broader concern over artistic freedom in the face of corporate pressures.
Industry Response
Pascal is not alone in his defense of Kimmel. Fellow Marvel stars, including Tatiana Maslany, have urged fans to boycott ABC’s parent company, calling for a cancellation of subscriptions to Disney services. Additionally, notable talents like Damon Lindelof have pledged not to work with Disney until Kimmel’s show is reinstated. Emmy-winning writer Dan Gilroy, known for his work on Andor , contributed a guest column to Deadline , condemning the network’s actions as a “venomous evil” and a governmental “siege” on free expression.
The situation has ignited a wave of protests within Hollywood, with various guilds expressing their outrage. Writers and actors have gathered at the Disney lot in Burbank to demonstrate against what they perceive as an attack on free speech and artistic integrity.
The Controversy Behind the Suspension
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! came as a shock to many. The decision followed a joke made by Kimmel regarding President Donald Trump, which the FCC chair Brendan Carr deemed inappropriate. Kimmel had quipped that Trump was in the “construction” stage of grief while discussing the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a comment that drew ire from various quarters.
Adding to the controversy, the largest TV station group, Nexstar, pulled the show “unilaterally,” stating that the decision was not influenced by the FCC. Sinclair Broadcast Group, another major player in the industry, announced that it would not lift the suspension until Kimmel issued an apology to Kirk’s family and made a significant donation to his nonprofit organization, Turning Point USA. In the interim, Nexstar replaced Kimmel’s slot with a tribute to Kirk.
Reactions from Trump and the Wider Implications
In light of the suspension, Trump has celebrated the decision, suggesting that other late-night hosts, including Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon, could be next in line for similar treatment. This situation has raised alarms about the potential chilling effect on comedy and satire, as late-night hosts often use their platforms to critique political figures and current events.
The fallout from Kimmel’s suspension highlights a broader tension within the entertainment industry regarding freedom of expression. As Hollywood grapples with corporate influence and the potential repercussions of political commentary, the support for Kimmel from figures like Pascal underscores the industry’s commitment to defending artistic freedom.
Conclusion
Pedro Pascal’s vocal support for Jimmy Kimmel amidst the latter’s suspension from ABC reflects a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about free speech in the entertainment industry. As Hollywood figures rally to defend Kimmel, the implications of this controversy extend beyond late-night television, raising critical questions about the boundaries of political satire and the responsibilities of media corporations. The outcome of this situation will likely have lasting effects on the landscape of late-night comedy and the broader entertainment industry.
